(This book is the final volume of Sigrid Undset's trilogy Kristin Lavransdotter. We recommend the Penguin Classics translation from the original Norwegian by Tiina Nunnally. NY: Penguin Classics, 2000. 464 pp. $15.95)

Undset’s The Cross begins with Kristin longing for a time apart in the coolness of the mountains.  Husaby  has been taken away because of Erlend’s treason. Jorungaard, where Kristin was raised, is now their home. Her marriage to Erlend has been wounded by the fires of unforgiveness, adultery, imprisonment and humiliation. Kristin copes with her troubles by pouring herself into the daily round of household concerns on the manor with seven sons.

Despite keeping herself busy, Kristen struggles internally with the burden of guilt toward her father’s memory, resentment towards her displaced knightly husband, anxiety for her rapidly maturing wild band of boys, mixed feelings toward her in-laws, and impatience with gossiping neighbors. She does escape to the quiet uplands for a time. Kristin’s time away from the burning flare-ups of family discord sets a reflective tone for the conclusion of Undset’s powerful trilogy.

Kristin’s introspection first lends itself to aloofness rather than the self-revelations that result in true warmth in relationships. Kristin ponders how difficult it must be for Erlend to live on his wife’s inherited farm lands after ruling a manor in Husaby, but she does not pursue her thoughts deeply enough to perceive how she might be contributing to Erlend’s difficulty.

Kristin’s blindness to her own faults and refusal to forgive the faults of others wreaks havoc on the complicated relationships Undset weaves. Her wrath in the face of Erlend’s continuing inattention to the worldly needs of his family reaches an apex when she names her youngest child Erlend Erlendsson, a name which only would be conferred to the child of a father who has died. It was a public statement: “Erlend is as if dead to me.”

Kristin turns to her faith and the priests in her life to provide spiritual solace when her burdens grow too heavy to bear. When her sons are grown and her work at Jorungaard is no longer needed, she once again retreats to the uplands, but this time to the Rein Cloister. Unlike Kristen’s earlier mountain retreat, her mature introspection leads to true warmth toward others. Kristin observes that the charred remains of her passionate outbursts with Erlend have sprouted with green growth. At the beginning of her pilgrimage, she entrusts her sorrows and her hopes for her sons to Mary, Mother of God. Under the shelter of Mary’s cloak, Kristin begins to forgive herself.

Luckily, Undset crafts a novel far too human to have a fairy tale ending. Kristin’s virtues and shortcomings follow her into Rein’s Cloister. The entire trilogy is an engrossing, dramatic read. The shocking ending showcases the way that Kristin’s troubles have molded her character in preparation for a courageous last act.

Discussion Questions:

1. Kristin takes time away from her full life to gain perspective and strength. In this time of Lenten observance, is there a space in my life that could be used for reflection on my own struggles? Could I give myself the gift of time?

2. Erlend’s abandonment of Kristin fuels the fire of her bitter inability to forgive. Is there an unwillingness to forgive that naggingly asserts itself when you pray “as we forgive those who trespass against us?” What is your first step?

3. Kristin’s self-forgiveness opens the door to honest self-appraisal and humility, resulting in the warmth and mercy she demonstrates on her pilgrimage to St. Olaf’s feast. Are there areas in your life that could benefit from accepting God’s mercy and forgiveness?

4. When Kristin voices her doubts about Naakve’s vocation, Sira Eiliv’s answer rebukes her lack of trust in God. Is there a loved one whose vocation or needs you are trying to direct by yourself? Would entrusting that person to God help you to love with a more steady warmth?